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Profiles of the Gifted and Talented
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www.davidsoninstitute.org
Profiles of the gifted and talented
Author(s): George T. Betts, Maureen Neihart
Source: NAGC 1988
Abstract
After several years of observations, interviews, and reviews of literature, the authors have developed six profiles of gifted and
talented children and youth. These profiles help educators and parents to look closely at the feelings, behaviors, and needs of the
gifted and talented. Also, tips on identification of each profile are included as well as information on facilitating the gifted and
talented in the school and home.
Gifted children are usually discussed as an undifferentiated group. When they are differentiated, it tends to be on the basis of differences in
intellectual abilities, talents, or interests rather than from a total or "gestalt" point of view in terms of behavior, feelings, and needs. For
example, creatively gifted, intellectually gifted, learning disabled gifted, and artistically gifted are among the different categories that have
been reported. The purpose of this article is to describe a theoretical model to profile the gifted and talented that differentiates gifted
individuals on the basis of behavior, feelings, and needs. The matrix describes and compares the needs, feelings and behaviors of six different
profiles of gifted children. This model serves to increase awareness among educators and parents of differences among gifted children and
provides guidelines for identifying gifted children. It can also be used to develop appropriate educational goals for the gifted. These types are
offered as a generalization to facilitate the task of identifying and guiding gifted children in all aspects of development. They are not intended
to describe anyone child completely.
Personality is the result of life experiences and genetic makeup. All gifted children are not affected by their special abilities in the same way.
Gifted children interact with and are influenced by their families, their education, their relationships, and their personal development.
Experience with gifted children in a variety of settings has served to increase awareness that the gifted cannot be seen as one group (Strang,
1962).
Little has been done, however, to distinguish among groups of gifted children. Roeper (1982) proposed five types of gifted children based
strictly on the approaches gifted children use to cope with their emotions. She identified the perfectionist, the child/adult, the winner of the
competition, the self-critic, and the well-integrated child. She focused on the development of coping styles and the ways in which gifted
children experience and express feelings.
Few studies focus on a holistic perspective of the gifted child. Most address one aspect of development or an area of achievement or
interest. (Colangelo & Parker, 1981; Delisle, J.R., 1982; Gregory & Stevens-Long, 1986; Kaiser, Berndt, & Stanley, 1987; Schwolinski &
Reynolds, 1985). The development of the whole child must be addressed, taking into account the interaction of emotional, social, cognitive,
and physical factors. It is essential to remember that "A child is a total entity; a combination of many characteristics. Emotions cannot be
treated separately from intellectual awareness or physical development; all intertwine and influence each other" (Roeper, 1982, p. 21).
Giftedness should not be defined by separate categories; every aspect of personality and development influences and interacts with every
other aspect. Giftedness should be examined as a construct that impacts on personality.
Profiles of the Gifted and Talented
The following presentation of six different profiles of gifted and talented students can provide information for educators and parents about the
behavior, feelings, and needs of gifted and talented children and youth. It is important to remember that this is a theoretical concept that
can provide insights for facilitating the growth of the gifted and talented, not a diagnostic classification model (see Figure 1).
Putting The Research To Use
It is essential that educators and parents understand the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of the gifted and talented. "Profiles of the
gifted and talented" provides a framework for a better understanding of these students by looking closely at their feelings, behavior, and
needs. Additional information is provided concerning adult and peer perceptions, identification, and home and school interactions. Parents
and educators use the profiles to gain a deeper awareness of the gifted and talented. They are also able to use the information for inservice
and courses concerning the nature and needs of the gifted and talented. Furthermore, educators can present the information directly to
students in order to help them develop more insight into their own needs and behavior. "Profiles of the gifted and talented" is a starting point
for those who want to develop a greater awareness and insight into these students. The application of the approach will provide deeper and
greater understanding of our gifted and talented.
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Additionally, children and youth should not be defined by anyone of the following categories. The behavior, feelings, and needs of gifted and
talented children change frequently when they are young, but as years pass there will be fewer abrupt changes and they may settle into one
or two profile areas. This approach provides a new understanding of the gifted and talented and new opportunities for developing techniques
and strategies for facilitating the cognitive, emotional and social growth of these children.
Type I
The Successful
Perhaps as many as 90% of identified gifted students in school programs are Type I's. Children who demonstrate the behavior, feelings, and
needs classified as Type I's have learned the system. They have listened closely to their parents and teachers. After discovering what "sells"
at home and at school, they begin to display appropriate behavior. They learn well and are able to score high on achievement tests and tests
of intelligence. As a result, they are usually identified for placement in programs for the gifted. Rarely do they exhibit behavior problems
because they are eager for approval from teachers, parents and other adults.
These are the children many believe will "make it on their own." However, Type I's often become bored with school and learn to use the
system in order to get by with as little effort as possible. Rather than pursue their own interests and goals in school, they tend to go through
the motions of schooling, seeking structure and direction from instructors. They are dependent upon parents and teachers. They fail to learn
needed skills and attitudes for autonomy, but they do achieve. Overall, these children may appear to have positive self-concepts because
they have been affirmed for their achievements. They are liked by peers and are included in social groups. They are dependent on the system
but are not aware that they have deficiencies because of the reinforcement they receive from adults who are pleased with them and their
achievement. However, Goertzel and Goertzel (1962) concluded that the brightest children in the classroom may become competent but
unimaginative adults who do not fully develop their gifts and talents. It seems that these children have lost both their creativity and
autonomy.
Gifted young adults who may underachieve in college and later adulthood come from this group. They do not possess the necessary skills,
concepts, and attitudes necessary for life-long learning. They are well adjusted to society but are not well prepared for the ever-changing
challenges of life.
Type II
The Challenging
Type II's are the divergently gifted. Many school systems fail to identify Type II gifted children for programs unless the programs have been
in place at least five years and substantial inservicing has been done with teachers. Type II's typically possess a high degree of creativity
and may appear to be obstinate, tactless, or sarcastic. They often question authority and may challenge the teacher in front of the class.
They do not conform to the system, and they have not learned to use it to their advantage. They receive little recognition and few rewards or
honors. Their interactions at school and at home often involve conflict.
These children feel frustrated because the school system has not affirmed their talents and abilities. They are struggling with their
self-esteem. They may or may not feel included in the social group. Some Type II's also challenge their peers, and therefore are often not
included or welcomed in activities or group projects; on the other hand, some Type II's have a sense of humor and creativity that is very
appealing to peers. Nevertheless their spontaneity may be disruptive in the classroom. In spite of their creativity, Type II's often possess
negative self-concepts.
Type II's may be "at risk" as eventual dropouts for drug addiction or delinquent behavior if appropriate interventions are not made by junior
high. Parents of gifted high school students who drop out of school (Type IV) frequently note that their children exhibited Type II behaviors in
upper elementary school or junior high. Although this relationship has not been validated empirically, it carries significant implications that
merit serious consideration.
Type III
The Underground
The Type III gifted child is known as "the underground gifted." Generally, these are middle school females although males may also want to
hide their giftedness. If a gifted boy goes underground, it tends to happen later, in high school, and typically in response to the pressure to
participate in athletics.
In general, Type III's are gifted girls whose belonging needs rise dramatically in middle school (Kerr, 1985). They begin to deny their talent in
order to feel more included with a non-gifted peer group. Students who are highly motivated and intensely interested in academic or creative
pursuits may undergo an apparently sudden radical transformation, losing all interest in previous passions. Type III's frequently feel insecure
and anxious. Their changing needs are often in conflict with the expectations of teachers and parents. All too often, adults react to them in
ways that only increase their resistance and denial. There is a tendency to push these children, to insist that they continue with their
educational program no matter how they feel. Type Ill's often seem to benefit from being accepted as they are at the time.
Although Type III's should not be permitted to abandon all projects or advanced classes, alternatives should be explored for meeting their
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academic needs while they are undergoing this transition. Challenging resistant adolescents may alienate them from those who can help
meet their needs and long-term goals.
Type IV
The Dropouts
Type IV gifted students are angry. They are angry with adults and with themselves because the system has not met their needs for many
years and they feel rejected. They may express this anger by acting depressed and withdrawn or by acting out and responding defensively.
Frequently, Type IV's have interests that lie outside the realm of the regular school curriculum and they fail to receive support and
affirmation for their talent and interest in these unusual areas. School seems irrelevant and perhaps hostile to them. For the most part, Type
IV's are high school students, although occasionally there may be an elementary student who attends school sporadically or only on certain
days and has in essence "dropped out" emotionally and mentally if not physically.
Type IV students are frequently gifted children who were identified very late, perhaps not until high school. They are bitter and resentful as a
result of feeling rejected and neglected. Their self-esteem is very low, and they require a close working relationship with an adult they can
trust. Traditional programming is no longer appropriate for Type IV's. Family counseling is strongly recommended, and the Type IV youth
should also be given individual counseling. Diagnostic testing is also necessary to identify possible areas for remediation.
Type V
The Double-Labeled
Type V refers to gifted children who are physically or emotionally handicapped in some way, or who have learning disabilities. The vast
majority of gifted programs do not identify these children, nor do they offer differentiated programming that addresses and integrates their
special needs. Fortunately, research on the effective identification of these children has been promising, and suggestions do exist for ways to
provide programming alternatives (Daniels, 1983; Fox, Brody, & Tobin, 1983; Gunderson, Maesch, & Rees, 1988; Maker, 1977; and
Whitmore & Maker, 1985).
Type V students often do not exhibit behaviors that schools look for in the gifted. They may have sloppy handwriting or disruptive behaviors
that make it difficult for them to complete work, and they often seem confused about their inability to perform school tasks. They show
symptoms of stress; they may feel discouraged, frustrated, rejected, helpless, or isolated.
These children may deny that they are having difficulty by claiming that activities or assignments are "boring" or "stupid." They may use
their humor to demean others in order to bolster their own lagging self-esteem. They urgently want to avoid failures and are unhappy about
not living up to their own expectations. They may be very skilled at intellectualization as a means of coping with their feelings of inadequacy.
They are often impatient and critical and react stubbornly to criticism.
Traditionally, these students are either ignored because they are perceived as average or referred for remedial assistance. School systems
tend to focus on their weaknesses and fail to nurture their strengths or talents.
TYPE VI
The Autonomous Learner
The Type VI gifted child is the autonomous learner. Few gifted children demonstrate this style at a very early age although parents may see
evidence of the style at home. Like the Type I's, these students have learned to work effectively in the school system. However, unlike the
Type I's who strive to do as little as possible, Type VI's have learned to use the system to create new opportunities for themselves. They do
not work for the system; they make the system work for them. Type VI's have strong, positive self-concepts because their needs are being
met; they are successful, and they receive positive attention and support for their accomplishments as well as for who they are. They are
well respected by adults and peers and frequently serve in some leadership capacity within their school or community.
Type VI students are independent and self-directed. They feel secure designing their own educational and personal goals. They accept
themselves and are able to take risks. An important aspect of the Type VI is their strong sense of personal power. They realize they can
create change in their own lives, and they do not wait for others to facilitate change for them. They are able to express their feelings, goals,
and needs freely and appropriately.
Conclusions
This matrix will be useful in a number of ways. One use is as a tool for inservicing educators about gifted and talented children and youth in
general and about the differentiated social and emotional needs of the specified types in particular. The model can also be used as a teaching
tool in order to expand students' awareness and understanding of the meaning of giftedness and the impact it has on their learning and
relationships."
The model may also serve as a theoretical base for empirical research in the areas of definition, identification, educational planning,
counseling, and child development. By looking closely at the behavior and feelings of gifted and talented youth, better educational
programming may be developed to meet their diversified needs.
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Putting The Research To Use
It is essential that educators and parents understand the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of the gifted and talented. "Profiles of the
gifted and talented" provides a framework for a better understanding of these students by looking closely at their feelings, behavior, and
needs. Additional information is provided concerning adult and peer perceptions, identification, and home and school interactions. Parents
and educators use the profiles to gain a deeper awareness of the gifted and talented. They are also able to use the information for inservice
and courses concerning the nature and needs of the gifted and talented. Furthermore, educators can present the information directly to
students in order to help them develop more insight into their own needs and behavior. "Profiles of the gifted and talented" is a starting point
for those who want to develop a greater awareness and insight into these students. The application of the approach will provide deeper and
greater understanding of our gifted and talented.
PROFILES OF THE GIFTED & TALENTED
Figure 1
FEELINGS AND
ATTITUDES
BEHAVIORS NEEDS ADULTS & PEERS
PERCEPTIONS OF
TYPE
IDENTIFICATION HOME SUPPORT SCHOOL
SUPPORT
-Boredom
-Dependent
-Positive
self-concept
-Anxious
-Guilty about
failure
-Extrinsic
motivation
-Responsible for
others
-Diminish feelings
of self and rights
to their emotion
-Self critical
-Perfectionist
-High Achiever
-Seeks teacher
approval and
structure
-Non-risk taking
-Does well
academically
-Accepts &
conforms
-Dependent
-To see
deficiencies
-To be challenged
-Assertiveness
skills
-Autonomy
-Help with
boredom
-Appropriate
curriculum
-Loved by
teachers
-Admired by peers
-Loved and
accepted by
parents
-Grade point average
-IQ Tests
-Teacher nominations
-Independence
-Ownership
-Freedom to make
choices
-Time for personal
interests
-Risk taking
experiences
-Accelerated and
enriched
curriculum
-Time for
personal
interests
-Compacted
learning
experiences
-Opportunities to
be with
intellectual peers
-Development of
independent
learning skills
-In-depth studies
-Mentorships
-College & career
counseling
-Boredom
-Frustration
-Low self-esteem
-Impatient
-Defensive
-Heightened
sensitivity
-Uncertain about
social roles
-Corrects teacher
-Questions rules,
policies
-Is honest, direct
-Has mood swings
-Demonstrates
inconsistent work
habits
-Has poor self
control
-Is creative
-Prefers highly
active &
questioning
approach
-Stands up for
convictions
-Is competitive
-To be connected
with others
-To learn tact,
flexibility,
self-awareness,
self control,
acceptance
-Support for
creativity
-Contractual
systems
-Find them
irritating
-Rebellious
-Engaged in power
struggle
-See them as
creative
-Discipline
problem
-Peers see them
as entertaining
-Want to change
them
-Don't view as
gifted
-Peer
Recommendations
-Parent nomination
-Interviews
-Performance
-Recommendation
from a significant,
non-related adult
-Creativity Testing
-Teacher advocate
-Acceptance and
understanding
-Allow them to
pursue interest
-Advocate for
them at school
-Modeling
appropriate
behavior
-Family projects
-Tolerance
-Placement with
appropriate
teacher
-Cognitive &
social skill
development
-Direct and clear
communication
with child
-Give permission
for feelings
-Studies in-depth
-Mentorships
build self-esteem
-Behavioral
contracting
-Unsure
-Pressured
-Confused
-Guilty
-Insecure
-Diminished
feelings of self and
right to their
emotions
-Denies talent
-Drops out of G/T
and advanced
classes
-Resists
challenges
-Wants to belong
socially
-Changes friends
-Freedom to make
choices
-To be aware of
conflicts
-Awareness of
feelings
-Support for
abilities
-Involvement with
gifted peers
-Career/college
info
-Self-acceptance
-Viewed as
leaders or
unrecognized
-Seen as average
and successful
-Perceived to be
compliant
-Seen as
quiet/shy
-Adults see them
as unwilling to
risk
-Viewed as
resistive
-Gifted peer
nomination
-Home nomination
-Community
nomination
-Achievement testing
-IQ Tests
-Performance
-Teacher advocate
-Acceptance of
underground
-Provide college &
career planning
experiences
-Time to be with
same age peers
-Provide gifted
role models
-Model life-long
learning
-Give freedom to
make choice
-Recognize &
properly place
-Give permission
to take time out
from G/T classes
-Provide same
sex role models
-Continue to give
college & career
information
-Resentment
-Angry
-Depressed
-Explosive
-Poor self-concept
-Defensive
-Burn-out
-Has intermittent
attendance
-Doesn't complete
tasks
-Pursues outside
interests
-"Spaced out" in
-An individualized
program
-Intense support
-Alternatives
(separate, new
opportunities)
-Counseling
-Adults are angry
with them
-Peers are
judgmental
-Seen as loners,
dropouts, dopers,
or air heads
-Review cumulative
folder
-Interview earlier
teachers
-Discrepancy between
IQ and demonstrated
achievement
-Seek counseling
for family
-Diagnostic
testing
-Group
counseling for
young students
-Nontraditional
study skills
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class
-Is self-abusive
-Isolates self
-Is creative
-Criticizes self &
others
-Does
inconsistent work
-Is disruptive,
acts out
-Seems average
or below
-Is defensive
(individual, group,
and family)
-Remedial help
with skills
-Reject them and
ridicule
-Seen as
dangerous and
rebellious
incongruities and
inconsistencies in
performance
-Creativity testing
-Gifted peer
recommendation
-Demonstrated
performance in
non-school areas
-In-depth studies
-Mentorships
-Alternative out
of classroom
learning
experiences
-G.E.D.
-Powerless
-Frustrated
-Low self-esteem
-Unaware
-Angry
-Demonstrates
inconsistent work
-Seems average
or below
-May be disruptive
or acts out
-Emphasis on
strengths
-Coping skills
-G/T support
group
-Counseling
-Skill
development
-Seen as "weird"
-Seen as "dumb"
-Viewed as
helpless
-Avoided by peers
-Seen as average
or below in ability
-Perceived to
require a great
deal of imposed
structure
-Seen only for the
disability
-Scatter of 11 points
or more on WISC or
WAIS
-Recommendation of
significant others
-Recommendation
from informed special
ed. teacher
-Interview
-Performance
-Teacher Advocate
-Recognize gifted
abilities
-Challenge them
-Provide
risk-taking
opportunities
-Advocate for
child at school
-Do family
projects
-Seek counseling
for family
-Placement in
gifted program
-Provide needed
resources
-Provide
alternative
learning
experiences
-Begin
investigations
and explorations
-Give time to be
with peers
-Give individual
counseling
-Self confident
-Self accepting
-Enthusiastic
-Accepted by
others
-Supported
-Desire to know &
learn
-Accepts failure
-Intrinsic
motivation
-Personal power
-Accepts others
-Has appropriate
social skill
-Works
independently
-Develops own
goals
-Follows through
-Works without
approval
-Follows strong
areas of passion
-Is creative
-Stands up for
convictions
-Takes risks
-Advocacy
-Feedback
-Facilitation
-Support for risks
-Appropriate
opportunities
-Accepted by
peers and adults
-Admired for
abilities
-Seen as capable
and responsible by
parents
-Positive
influences
-Successful
-Psychologically
healthy
-Grade point average
-Demonstrated
performance
-Products
-Achievement Testing
-Interviews
-Teacher/Peer/Parent
self nominations
-IQ tests
-Creativity Testing
-Advocate for
child at school and
in community
-Provide
opportunities
related to
passions
-Allow friends of
all ages
-Remove time and
space restrictions
-Do family
projects
-Include child in
parent's passion
-Allow
development of
long-term
integrated plan of
study
-Accelerated and
enriched
curriculum
-Remove time
and space
restrictions
-Compacted
learning
experiences with
pretesting
-In-depth studies
-Mentorships
-College & career
counseling and
opportunities
-Dual enrollment
or early
admission
-Waive
traditional school
policy and
regulations
References
Colangelo, N. and Parker, M. (1981). Value differences among gifted adolescents. Counseling and Values, 26, 35-41.
Daniels, P .R. (1983) Teaching the gifted/learning disabled child. Rockville, MD: Aspen Systems Corporation.
Delisle, J.R. (1982). Striking out: Suicide and the gifted adolescent. Gifted/Creative/Talented, 13, 16-19.
Fox, L.H., Brody, L., and Tobin, D. (1983). Learning-disabled/gifted children. Baltimore: University Park Press.
Goertzel, V. and Goertzel, M. (1962). Cradles of eminence. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.
Gregory, E.H. and Stevens-long, J. (1986). Coping ski/Is among highly gifted adolescents. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 9, 147-155.
Gunderson, C. W., Maesch, C., and Rees, J. W. (1988). The gifted/learning disabled student. Gifted Child Quarterly, 31, 158-160.
Kaiser, C.F., Berndt, D.J. and Stanley, G. (1987). Moral judgment and depression in gifted adolescents. Paper presented at the 7th World
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conference on Gifted and Talented Children, Salt lake City, Utah.
Kerr, B. (1985). Smart girls, gifted women. Columbus, OH: Ohio Psychology. Maker, J. (1977). Providing programs for the gifted
handicapped. Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
Roeper, A. (1982). How the gifted cope with their emotions. Roeper Review, 5, 21-24.
Scholwinski, E. and Reynolds, C.R. (1985). Dimensions of anxiety among high IQ children. Gifted Child Quarterly, 29, 125-130.
Strang, R. (1965). The psychology of the gifted child. In W.B. Barbe, (Ed.). Psychology and education of the gifted: Selected readings (pp.
113-117). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Whitmore, J .R. and Maker, J. (1985). Intellectual giftedness in disabled persons. RockvilIe, MD: Aspen Systems Corporation.
Permission Statement
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Suite 550, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 785-4268. http://www.nagc.org . This material may not be reproduced without permission from
NAGC.
This article is provided as a service of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)3 nonprofit operating foundation, which
nurtures and supports profoundly intelligent young people and to provide opportunities for them to develop their talents and to make a
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